When you invest in a set of clip-in hair extensions, it’s natural to feel excited and get ready to go out rocking your new look right away. After all, they are so much fun and such a great way to transform your style with zero commitment or risk. However, as with anything related to beauty and personal care, there is an element of upkeep involved. You can extend the life of your extensions and make them last much longer by being diligent about taking care of them regularly. To keep your brand-new clip-in extensions in pristine condition for as long as possible, here are some essential tips for keeping them healthy and looking good for longer time.
Wash your hair extensions regularly with a deep conditioner
The best way to keep your hair healthy is by washing it regularly with a deep conditioner. This product has special ingredients that will help strengthen your hair while keeping it moisturized and soft. You should only use this product once every two weeks so that you don't strip away all of the natural oils from your scalp; however, it's important that you do this because this is one of the most important steps in maintaining healthy hair!
Be gentle when handling and brushing
When you have your clip-in hair extensions in, you need to be extra careful about what you do with them. The reason for this is that the clips can put a lot of pressure on the hair, which can create breakage. Brushing is also not recommended as it can cause tangling and lead to matting. If you must brush your hair, do so with a very soft bristle brush. On that note, make sure you don’t use a comb when you have your hair extensions in either. Combs are notorious for pulling out hair, especially if it’s synthetic. You can also gently use your fingers to untangle any knots that may occur.
Trim your clip-in hair extensions
If your extensions are longer than your own hair, you can use a small pair of scissors to trim the ends of them to the same length as your ends. Make sure you take your time to do this and don’t forget to clean up any stray ends after you are done. Remember, the ends of your extensions are the most delicate part and need to be treated with care.
Use the right products while you have your extensions in
When you have your extensions in for a long period, you need to make sure to use products that are non-drying and non-stripping when washing and conditioning your hair. Wash your hair as you normally would, but use a gentler, more moisturizing cleanser designed for hair extensions. Avoid shampoos and conditioners that contain sulfates and silicones, as they can cause buildup on your hair and cause it to become dry and tangled. You can also try a clarifying shampoo now and then. Avoid using heavy styling products as they can weigh down your hair. Try to air dry your hair as much as possible to avoid heat damage. Make sure you are using an anti-static spray or dry shampoo if necessary to avoid frequent washing and drying.
Dry & condition with care
When you have your clip-in hair extensions in, you don’t want to wash them too often. Washing them too frequently can lead to excessive drying and cause the synthetic fibers to break off. For synthetic clip-in hair extensions, you can wash them about once a week. If your extensions are human hair, you can wash them about once a week or every other week. If you have curly clip-in extensions, make sure you don’t use too much heat when drying them. For curly extensions, use a diffuser or let them air-dry as much as possible to limit the amount of heat damage. If you have straight extensions, use a low-temperature heat setting, and make sure you use a heat protectant to avoid excessive damage.
Use a wide-tooth comb
If you have curly clip-in extensions, try using a wide-tooth comb when detangling them. A brush will just create more frizz and damage your hair, but a wide-tooth comb can gently detangle without pulling out as much hair. If your extensions are straight, though, a wide-tooth comb will cause more frizz than a brush. You can use a wide-tooth comb in your extensions once a week, if necessary, but don’t do it more than that.
Don’t use too many products
If you use too many styling products in your hair, it can weigh your extensions down and make them look limp and lifeless. To avoid this, use a light styling cream or mousse in your extensions, and keep your regular hair products to a minimum. If you have curly extensions, use a product that is formulated for curly hair, and if you have straight extensions, use a product that is formulated for straight hair.
Be careful when removing your clip-in extensions
When removing your extensions, take your time, and don’t pull on your hair. Remove each clip very slowly, and if you are using a comb, try to untangle it with your fingers if possible. If you are going to wash your hair, make sure you wash and condition your extensions before removing them. You can also lightly mist them with a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray before removing them. Finally, be sure to store your extensions correctly once they have been taken out. Avoid leaving them in a bag or pillow case for long periods as this can cause them to mat together. Instead, fold them up and store them in an airtight bag.
Clip-in hair extensions are a fun way to spice up your look and try out different hairstyles without having to commit to any permanent changes to your hair. With proper care and maintenance, they can last for a long time and still look great.